Hertie School finalist at Impact of Diversity Awards

The Hertie School’s First-Gen Mentoring Programme was honoured as a finalist in the “University Award” category at the Impact of Diversity Awards. The Impact of Diversity Awards recognises outstanding diversity strategies adopted by leading companies and universities, inspiring initiatives, and committed individuals in various categories. This year’s award ceremony took place at the Accenture Campus in Kronberg. 

“We are delighted to have the Hertie School recognised for our efforts in supporting first-generation students,” says President Cornelia Woll. “The First-Gen Mentoring Programme is a key component of our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment and providing all of our students the best opportunity to succeed.”  

The programme pairs first-generation students with members of our faculty and postdoctoral and PhD researchers as mentors for academic guidance and support. It offers access to training opportunities and workshops, and provides a platform for community building and peer exchange.

The mentoring initiative was launched in November 2021 to reduce the inequalities experienced by students whose parents did not attend university; to address the invisible challenges first-generation students might face both in academia and throughout their careers; and to foster the students’ sense of belonging. It builds on an initiative proposed initially by members of our student community led by the SHIELD advocacy group.

See also: 

First-generation mentorship programme in its second year | Hertie School (hertie-school.org)
Diversity, equity and inclusion (hertie-school.org)